If you are craving a comforting yet elegant meal that bursts with rich flavors and creamy textures, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It combines tender chicken, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. The result is a wonderfully balanced dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe plays a vital role, from the star protein to the colorful veggies and creamy sauce components. They are simple, accessible, and each one enhances the dish’s taste, texture, or color in its own special way.
- 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta: Choose your favorite pasta shape to soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water): Essential for seasoning the pasta as it cooks, so the flavor isn’t bland.
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides protein and gets beautifully golden when pan-seared.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Simple seasoning to bring out the best flavors in the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs: Brings aromatic Mediterranean notes that complement the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden crisp.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce with a velvety smooth finish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: A fragrant foundation that infuses the sauce with a savory aroma.
- 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced: Offers a tangy, slightly sweet punch and vibrant color.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and moistens the sauce without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that signature silky, creamy texture everyone loves.
- 2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese: Brings umami richness and helps thicken the sauce gracefully.
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach: Provides a fresh, leafy green contrast both in taste and texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a mild kick for those who enjoy a subtle spicy note.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: For final seasoning adjustments.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley: Brightens and freshens the dish as a garnish.
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese: For sprinkling on top to add a cheesy finish.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the pasta until just al dente ensures it holds its texture and doesn’t become mushy once tossed in the creamy sauce. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining — this starchy water is magic for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs for that perfect flavor foundation. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Let the chicken rest before slicing thinly — this keeps it juicy and tender, making every bite absolutely delightful.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until the aroma envelops your kitchen. Toss in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes, stirring for another minute to bring out their sweet tanginess. This step builds an irresistible flavor base for your sauce.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those golden bits stuck to the bottom. These bits are gold for flavor! Reduce the heat to low and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and optional red pepper flakes. Let the sauce gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens just right, creating that classic creamy texture.
Step 5: Add the Spinach
Stir fresh baby spinach into the warm sauce and cook just until it wilts. This vibrant green not only adds color but also a fresh, slightly earthy note that balances the richness perfectly.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with your sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly. Slowly add the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the perfect, luscious sauce consistency that clings beautifully to every noodle.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Give the dish a final seasoning adjustment with salt and pepper to suit your taste. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh basil or parsley and a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is now ready to wow!
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
The simple addition of fresh herbs like basil or parsley transforms this dish from delicious to restaurant-worthy. They add a pop of fresh, herbaceous vibrancy that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Don’t be shy with extra Parmesan cheese either; it adds another layer of savory richness.
Side Dishes
For a balanced meal, pair this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also makes an excellent companion, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that heavenly sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, serve the pasta in shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and an edible flower or microgreens on top for visual appeal. Alternatively, build individual servings layered with fresh spinach leaves underneath and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for extra texture and elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It keeps well and maintains its creamy, delicious flavor, though the spinach may wilt a bit more.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish in portion-sized airtight containers for up to one month. Because the texture of the sauce might change slightly after thawing, it’s best to enjoy leftovers fresh or after refrigeration rather than freezing when possible.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently until warmed through to keep the chicken tender and pasta perfectly sauced without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add more moisture and a slightly different flavor profile. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through but still tender.
Is it okay to substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?
You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk combined with a bit of flour or cornstarch for thickness, but the sauce won’t be as rich and velvety as with heavy cream.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes won’t provide the same concentrated sweetness and tang, but you can finely chop them and sauté until soft. Adding a tiny splash of balsamic vinegar can help mimic the sun-dried flavor.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The suggested 1/4 teaspoon adds just a subtle background heat. You can skip or increase it depending on your preference for spice.
What pasta works best for this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Penne and fettuccine are great because they hold onto the creamy sauce well. However, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti will also work beautifully based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels indulgent without being complicated. It brings together fresh, vibrant ingredients and creamy, comforting flavors that always hit the spot. I hope you give it a try soon because this recipe truly deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be making it again and again.
Print
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Description
This creamy Tuscan chicken pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked penne or fettuccine pasta. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a delicious weeknight meal packed with Italian flavors and creamy goodness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne or fettuccine pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute to release their flavor.
- Deglaze and Simmer Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and optional red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet and stir until the spinach is wilted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the creamy sauce. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh basil or parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier alternative.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil add richness; you can substitute with dried sun-dried tomatoes rehydrated if needed, but adjust oil accordingly.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy dairy-free alternative.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjust sauce consistency without thinning the flavor.
- Red pepper flakes are optional; omit or adjust to control spice level.
